Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Darker chocolate is more dangerous.
Dogs
Emergency risk
Cats
Emergency risk
Risk level
Danger
Symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, rapid breathing, muscle tremors, seizures, heart problems
What to do now
Contact your vet immediately.
Use these hub pages for broader dog, cat, cleaner, and emergency planning guidance.
Compare Chocolate with common dog food, plant, medication, and household toxicity risks.
Open hubCat poisoningSee cat-specific guidance for Chocolate, plants, cleaners, foods, and medication risks.
Open hubEmergency planningPlan for emergency exams, toxin ingestion care, hospitalization, and insurance decisions.
Open hubVomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, rapid breathing, muscle tremors, seizures, heart problems
Contact your vet immediately.
Plan ahead for emergency vet bills
Poisoning, broken bones, and emergency surgery can get expensive quickly. Compare costs and accident coverage before you need it.
A one-page checklist for symptoms, product labels, emergency contacts, and what to bring to the clinic.
Garlic is toxic to dogs and cats. It damages red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Wild mushrooms can be highly toxic. Store-bought mushrooms are generally safe, but wild ones should always be avoided.
Peanut butter is generally safe, but many brands contain xylitol. Always check the label.
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. The exact mechanism is unknown, but they cause neurological and muscular issues.
Coconut and coconut oil are safe for pets. They contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that benefit skin and coat health.
Cheese is safe in small amounts, but many pets are lactose intolerant.